Motorhome hire Iceland

Iceland represents the ultimate in European adventure destinations for lovers of the great outdoors. This is the land of cool glaciers, punctual geysers, and volcanoes capable of putting the worlds airspace on pause. As Iceland's status as a popular tourist destination continues to rise, flights have correspondingly become more regular and affordable, making now the perfect time to visit the country of the moment. Intrigued by motorhome hire in Iceland? Then read on.

One popular misconception about Iceland is that it is a country camouflaged in ice, when in actual fact, only about 10% of the country is covered by glaciers. The climate of Iceland is also much more favourable than you might have imagined, with average temperatures reaching 20-25°C in the summer months; and hover around 0°C in the southern lowlands during the winter, and -10°C in the highlands in the north.

Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Iceland can be expensive, making motorhome hire a cost effective way to see the country. Motorhomes from our Icelandic suppliers come equipped with a kitchenette, washroom with shower, and a dinette area to enjoy meals in. This means you can stock up on essentials and avoid the cost of constantly outing out too. Vehicles are fully winterised, essential for those colder months; and many suppliers offer an airport pickup service. So you can be on the road as soon as you touch down, with no waiting around.

Most people start their motorhome tour of Iceland in Reykjavik; Iceland's small capital with a population of just 118,00, or approximately half the population of the country. Here you'll find enough city attractions to satisfy everyone’s taste, and its small size makes it manageable enough to cover in a day or two. Get your fix of historical monuments by checking out the Hallgrímskirkja, an immense concrete beast of a church and the second tallest building in the country; check out all the foodie cafés (Bergsson Mathús has the best bread in town); and head down to the Kolaportid flea market and pick up a hand-knitted bargain.

From Reykjavik you have easy access to Route 1, the national ring road which circles the entire country. This route is tarmacked most of the way, with most but not all parts kept open during the winter. A trip all the way around requires at least one week, with two being ideal if you plan to venture away from the main road. From Route 1 you can see many of the country's most popular attractions, such as the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Notable landmarks not covered by Route 1 and which we highly recommend taking the time out to visit include the stunning Westfjords peninsula in the north-west; and the nature reserve of Thorsmork in the south. This is a very popular spot for hiking, thanks to beautiful mountain views (including the infamous and unpronounceable Eyjafjallajokull), and the chance to hike on volcanic glaciers. Access is only by bus and 4x4 vehicles.

You'll be happy to learn that Icelanders are keen outdoor campers, with motorhome camping increasing in popularity. The policy on wild camping is very tolerant, and officially you are allowed to stay for up to one night on uncultivated land, away from private property and farmland. You can also choose to stay at one of the 68 registered campsites. Many campsites are open between the months of June and September, but there is a good selection of sites which stay open all year. Just be sure to check beforehand, and make sure that motorhomes are accepted as not all campsites accommodate large vehicles.

Motorhome hire in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Start planning yours, and send your rental request to the Campanda team today.